live rock vacuum

[newfishguy]

Can anybody recommend a vacuum to get the small pieces of live rock out of my tank. I have a piece of live rock in my qt to cycle the tank and small pieces have spread all over. I tried using my cheap siphon vacuum but it takes out more water then anything. By the time I am done getting all of the rock out the tank will be empty.

 

[sinner's girl]

why not just reach in and pull the pieces out?

 

[mudplayerx]

I've got little chunks of live rock all over the sand....as long as you don't find it unpleasing to look at there is no real problem. It's not going to trap detritus even remotely as bad as crushed coral does.

 

[newfishguy]

There are a bunch of small little pieces. I guess I could do my best if there is no other way.
Originally Posted by Sinner's Girl
why not just reach in and pull the pieces out?

 

[newfishguy]

Its a qt and I will have no sand in it to cover up the mess. I guess I can just deal with the look. It is not that big of a deal I just though I would take them out if there was an easy way. I will take the rock out too once the tank is cycled. I have always heard it is best to not keep rock or sand in a qt. Is that true?
Originally Posted by mudplayerx
I've got little chunks of live rock all over the sand....as long as you don't find it unpleasing to look at there is no real problem. It's not going to trap detritus even remotely as bad as crushed coral does.

 

[mudplayerx]

You are correct...it is best to have as little in the QT tank as possible. If I were you, I'd put a simple section of pvp pipe in there for fish to hide in. You can also use fake plastic plants.

 

[newfishguy]

Yeah I purchased a little decorative piece with several tunnels in it. It should make them feel safer.
Originally Posted by mudplayerx
You are correct...it is best to have as little in the QT tank as possible. If I were you, I'd put a simple section of pvp pipe in there for fish to hide in. You can also use fake plastic plants.

 

[tscuda]

I scraped every last crumb outa my box. I think it looks a lil more real then plain clean sand.

 

[bovetek]

Is your QT really big? Couldn't you just use a net to to fish out the rocks? I just have a terra cotta flower pot that is broken in half in mine. I just kinda situated the halves one on top of and off to the side of the other. (hmm does that make sense?) anyway my fish seem to like it.

 

[newfishguy]

No it is only 15 gallons. Yes I could probably use a net as well. I was just looking for a quick and easy way. I completely understand what your saying about the flower pot. Thanks!
Originally Posted by Bovetek
Is your QT really big? Couldn't you just use a net to to fish out the rocks? I just have a terra cotta flower pot that is broken in half in mine. I just kinda situated the halves one on top of and off to the side of the other. (hmm does that make sense?) anyway my fish seem to like it.

 

[birdy]

Personally I like have LR in my QT tanks, reduces the stress a lot for the fish and helps with biological filtration. So far all I have done in my tanks is hypo so no problems for the LR, if I ever have to run copper or Medicine then I will just remove the LR for treatments.
I dont see any reason not to use a little rock in a QT tank, the sterile look is stressful for fish IMO.